- Shattock was crushed on a Gold Coast property
- Lions great starred in the team’s 2002 premiership win
Carlton AFL coach Michael Voss has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate Aaron Shattock as he fights for life in an induced coma after being crushed by heavy earthmoving equipment at his home on Sunday.
Shattock, a 44-year-old builder and father of three, was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital with multiple life-threatening chest and abdominal injuries after the excavator rolled onto him on Sunday afternoon.
The Brisbane Lions premiership-winner is in intensive care and is believed to be watched over by his wife Claire and children Sadie, Cleo and Mitch.
Voss shared some emotional words about Shattock in a statement released by the Lions on Saturday night, branding him ‘a ripping good fella’ and ‘an outstanding teammate’.
‘I can’t believe it … it’s terrible at any time but just before Christmas is even worse. Our prayers are with him and his family,’ Voss said.
Emergency services workers had to use hydraulic equipment to get the excavator off Shattock, according to a Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman, with a Queensland Police spokesman adding that he was trapped under the equipment ‘for a while’.
Brisbane premiership winner Aaron Shattock (pictured) is fighting for life in a Gold Coast hospital after being pinned under an excavator that rolled on top of him on Sunday
Shattock’s former Lions teammate Michael Voss (pictured) hailed his friend as a ‘ripping good fella’ as he reacted to the ‘terrible’ news
It is understood that emergency services arrived on the scene just before at 2pm (AEDT).
Police are also understood to be investigating the incident.
The Labrador Tigers Football Club – of which Shattock is a life member after starring as a player and coach for the side – also released a statement on Sunday.
‘We send our thoughts, love, and prayers to the Shattock family during this challenging time,’ the statement read.
‘We can confirm that Aaron was involved in an excavator accident on his property on Sunday afternoon. He is currently in an induced coma at Gold Coast University Hospital, where he will remain under observation in the coming days.
‘”Shatts” is dearly loved by his family, friends and the entire Labrador community. A true Labrador person and life member. Aaron has been a significant part of our club since 2007- as a player, assistant coach, senior coach and committee member.
‘His passion for our club is unmatched and his presence is deeply valued.’
Pictured: the aftermath of the accident that left Shattock in an induced coma
Shattock (left) is pictured with former teammate turned Geelong AFL coach Chris Scott after starring in the Lions’ 2002 grand final win
Shattock, a premiership winner, made 57 appearances for Brisbane between 2000 and 2004.
He notably came on as an interchange during the 2002 Grand Final, helping the Lions beat Collingwood to record their second straight premiership.
He’d later move to Port Adelaide where he’d make 11 appearances before being delisted by the club in 2006.
Shattock also won the AFLQ Grand Final with Brisbane back in 2001.
After retiring from the AFL, Shattock moved to the Gold Coast and would take up a role as a player-coach with QAFL side Labrador.
He would eventually become a senior coach at the club.
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